Additional temporary closure on Monsal Trail for construction work

This is an archived press release

An additional section of the Monsal Trail is being closed temporarily (from Mon Feb 28) to ensure public safety while work is carried out to re-open four former railway tunnels.

The Peak District National Park Authority is improving the existing Monsal Trail between Bakewell and Wye Dale by opening the tunnels for cyclists, walkers and horse riders to use.

The section of the Monsal Trail between Upperdale and Monsal Head was closed in early February and will remain closed until Friday 22 April.

From Monday February 28 a further section, from Millers Dale to Blackwell Mill will be closed, also until Friday 22 April, but this will not affect the Pennine Bridleway close by.

Access for vehicles at Millers Dale Old Station car park will also be severely restricted throughout this time as the majority of it will be used for construction traffic carrying out works on the trail.

The bridleway from Brushfield to Netherdale, approached from the western end of Monsal Head Viaduct, remains open but will continue to have contractors checking to ensure the public can cross safely.

The Monsal Trail from Millers Dale to Litton will be open as usual but users should be aware that heavy plant and machinery are using the route to bring materials and equipment to the site.

Warning signs have been put up at key points on the Monsal Trail to explain the work taking place. Local cycling, walking and horse riding groups have also been informed.

The work is part of the £2.25 million Pedal Peak District project, which has also included a marketing campaign to encourage more people to go cycling in the Peak District National Park.

Rhonda Pursglove, project manager for Pedal Peak District, said: “We are sorry for the temporary disruption but I’m sure people will realise it is worth it when the end result will bring a much better route for people to enjoy in the future.

“It will be an amazing experience to go through the tunnels and see the fantastic views of the countryside as you come out.

“We are looking forward to completing the work so that cyclists, walkers and horse riders can experience that feeling for the first time since the tunnels closed in 1968.”

The new route through the former railway tunnels is expected to open to the public in May or June.

The Monsal Trail is built on the route of the former Midland Railway Line which connected the Peak District to London, axed in 1968.